What are Rodents?
So what are Rodents (Rodentia) are a group of mammals including squirrels, dormice, mice, rats, gerbils, beavers, gophers, kangaroo rats, porcupines, pocket mice, spring-hares, and many others. In Australia, there are approximately 60 native species including the well-known water rat, bush rat and stick-nest rats.
Currently, there are more than 2000 species of rodents surviving, among the mammalian groups. Rodents have specialized teeth for chewing and biting these teeth are continually growing and are maintained through constant grinding.
Most rodents are small animals with robust bodies, short limbs, and long tails. They use their sharp incisors to defend themselves, gnaw food and excavate burrows. Rodents are very clever, they can quickly learn to avoid poisoned baits, which makes them difficult pests to deal with. Guinea pigs can learn and remember complex pathways to food. Kangaroos and rats are able to locate caches of food by spatial memory, rather than just by the smell.
What do they eat?
Rodents eat a lot of different foods including leaves, fruits, seeds, and small invertebrates.
Rodents and disease
The presence of rats and mice in buildings can result in food spoilage and contamination, physical damage caused by gnawing which can sometimes lead to costly fires, and the transmission of diseases to humans.
The most common disease transmitted by rats is Salmonellosis which is spread when food is consumed by humans which has been contaminated by excreta or saliva of rats.
How to manage your Rodent problem
- Always keep doors to food cupboards closed.
- Place all food waste in a bin with a close fitting lid.
- Keep any animal food in metal bins with a tight lid.
- Keep your yards free of all waste food.
- Keep your house dry to deny rodents access to water.
- Clear your land and house of all rubbish and timber.
- Keep grass cut short and dispose of cuttings at the tip. High grass and long weeds hide rodent burrows.
- Cover entry points around windows and openings under buildings with wire or fine mesh. A rat can squeeze through a very small opening.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are rodents?
Rodents are a large group of mammals that includes rats and mice, with more than 2,000 species worldwide and around 60 native species in Australia. They have specialised teeth that keep growing and are maintained by constant grinding. Most are small, with robust bodies, short limbs and long tails.
Why are rats and mice a problem in buildings?
Rats and mice cause food spoilage and contamination, and their gnawing can damage buildings and sometimes lead to costly fires. They can also transmit diseases to people. The most common disease transmitted by rats is salmonellosis, spread when people eat food contaminated by rat droppings or saliva.
How do I keep rodents out of my home?
Keep food cupboards closed, put food waste in a bin with a close-fitting lid and store animal food in metal bins with tight lids. Keep your house dry, clear rubbish and timber, and keep grass short. Cover entry points around windows and under buildings with wire or fine mesh, because a rat can squeeze through a very small opening.
Why are rodents hard to get rid of?
Rodents are very clever, and they can quickly learn to avoid poisoned baits, which makes them difficult pests to deal with. Cutting off food, water, shelter and entry points is the key to controlling them. If you have a problem, our general pest control service offers rodent treatment as an add-on.